Student Health Services...where all HEALTH breaks loose.

Health Excuse Policy

Find out more about this policy and what assistance is possible with serious and ongoing illness or injury.

No Show Policy

As of October 1, 2010 as approved by the TC3 Faculty Student Association, Health Services will charge a ten dollar fee for all students who do not show for their scheduled appointments in the Student Health Center.

Students will be put on the Stop list until the fee is paid. This does not apply to cancellations made twenty-four hours in advance.

Health Services is committed to providing an environment that enhances the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and mental health of the college community through accessible preventative, educational, and basic health care services.

We are your connection to better health!

According to the National College Health Assessment, stress and illness due to the cold or flu are the most common causes of academic failure. That’s right. In addition to attending classes, studying, and other factors, your success at Tompkins Cortland may depend simply on staying healthy.

Pertussis is in our community

When a cough isn’t ‘just a cough’

Got a cough that won’t leave you alone? Most coughs are a symptom of an upper respiratory infection - such as a cold or the flu- and can only get better with time. The cough may start out as wet (coughing up phlegm) but then turns into a dry cough. A cough is caused by inflammation of the nose and throat that irritates nerves in the respiratory tract. Coughs caused by viruses last two to four weeks.

What happens if the cough continues to get worse and interferes with sleep or activities of daily life? Coughs that become violent and cause a gasp for air (whoop) may be whooping cough. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is caused by bacteria and is contagious. It is can be dangerous to infants and children. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics.

The symptoms of whooping cough start out just like a cold, such as a runny nose and low fever, but after about ten days instead of getting better, the cough becomes very violent. If you have a cough such as this, see your health care provider or schedule an appointment or call or stop by the Health Center for an appointment. We are located in Room 118A next to Campus Police. We can be reached by phone by calling 607-844-8222 x 4487.

Chat with Planned Parenthood

It’s not always easy to talk about health issues, but Planned Parenthood has a well-earned reputation for providing professional, friendly, understanding service – and now Planned Parenthood is available to chat through Tompkins Cortland Community College.

Your chat will begin with a five-question survey that will help match you with the correct health educator. You will also be asked for your ZIP code (you can use ours, 13053).

You will be asked for your name, but it is completely optional. Your chat will be entirely private. Ask Planned Parenthood about pregnancy, abortion, emergency contraception, birth control, STDs – anything. It’s what they do.

Prevention is the Key

“Prevention is the key!” Sound familiar? If you remember anything at all from the pandemic flu of 2009, the message to wash your hands, practice social distancing and stay at home if you have a fever or other symptoms of the flu should be very familiar. Hopefully the message is more than repetitive words and is a practice of daily life.

Although the Pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 is no longer, influenza (flu) still exists. In fact the Center for Disease Control has noted flu has hit the epidemic level in the United States. Gastroenteritis, upper respiratory infections (congestion, coughing and sneezing) as well as MRSA (staphylococcus infections) have also made their way onto campus along with the students.

Prevention is still the key….and it’s not just for the flu.

wash your hands

cover your cough and sneezes

practice social distancing

stay home if you are ill

All of these practices help protect you from becoming ill and prevent the spread of illness.

Health Insurance

Tompkins Cortland no longer mandates students to carry a health insurance policy. We are concerned that students may be uninsured or not have adequate coverage for the Tompkins/Cortland county area. If a serious illness or emergency occurs that demands attention from a medical provider or hospital in the Tompkins/Cortland area, the expense can create a financial burden.

Although students may use Health Services while enrolled, insurance is still recommended should a referral to a community health care provider be needed. If you do not have health insurance, please refer to the Health Insurance Marketplace for policies available in New York State.

Heroin/Opioid Education

Due to the growing concern in the state, Governor Cuomo has mandated heroin/opioid education for all new students in the SUNY system.

The Options Program

The Options Program is Tompkins Cortland Community College’s confidential, short-term alcohol and drug education and counseling service.

The mission of the Options Program is to support student learning and promote campus and community wellness by reducing alcohol and other drug abuse and related consequences.

Community Coalition for Healthy Youth

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Cold and Flu Health Information

Cold and flu season is upon us. Here are some helpful tips that can get you through.

Do you have to be ill to use the Health Center?

Of course not. We encourage students to take charge of their health by engaging in activities that promote optimal wellness. Such activities include making healthy life-style choices and becoming knowledgeable about personal self-care. No question is considered too trivial. Feel free to stop by or make an appointment concerning your health questions.

607.844.8222, Ext. 4487

Health Excuse Policy

Health Services does not provide excuses for routine illnesses, injuries, and mental health problems that may lead to missed classes, labs, exams, or deadlines. This policy resembles those of most other post secondary institutions and is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association. The College expects that students are honest with their professors regarding their ability to complete work, and professors are expected to work with students on these issues within the clear expectations that they set for their students. Counseling staff are available to discuss concerns about attendance or other issues.

Assistance with serious, ongoing illness or injury

When a student is hospitalized or has a serious ongoing illness or injury, Health Services will contact the Dean of Students office to coordinate communication with the student’s professors with student consent. If documented academic accommodations are necessary, Health Services will contact the Coordinator for Access and Equity.